New family and domestic violence employee leave entitlements in Australia

Updated: 8 December 2019

New Australian legislation now allows all employees in Australia to access 5 days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave each year.

As of December 12 2018, the Fair Work Amendment (Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2018 came into effect and applies to all employees in Australia regardless of whether they are covered by an Award or not.

This new change extends the reach of the change made on August 1 2018 to Australian Awards. The August 1 change allows employees in Australia to access unpaid leave for domestic violence under if they are covered under an Award. 

Let's hope that violence is eradicated for good and that your employees will never have to use this leave. But if they do, this safety net is there. 

Do you have questions or comments about unpaid domestic violence leave? Leave them below.